Youth Olympics 2026: Boxers Ambekar Meetei & Gunjan Win Historic Gold Medals

Why in the News?

Indian boxers **Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei** and **Gunjan** scripted history at the **2026 Youth Olympic Games** in Dakar, Senegal, by winning India's **first-ever gold medals in boxing** at the competition in the men’s 50kg and women’s 48kg categories respectively.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Historic Double Gold in Boxing:

- Both Indian pugilists finished on top of the podium, maintaining a 100% win record for India's boxing contingent.

- Final Match Results:

- **Ambekar Meetei (Men’s 50kg):** Secured India's maiden YOG boxing gold with a hard-fought 3-2 split decision victory over Ireland’s Kristian Jubani.

- **Gunjan (Women’s 48kg):** Dominated Algeria’s Bensalah Bouthaina with a unanimous 5-0 decision to claim the second gold.

- Impact on Medal Tally & Historical Context:

- Prior to 2026, India had won two YOG boxing medals (Silver by Shiva Thapa and Bronze by Vikas Krishan at Singapore 2010).

- The twin victories catapulted India from 58th to **16th place** in the Dakar 2026 medal standings.

- Boxing Federation of India (BFI) President **Ajay Singh** hailed the achievement as a defining milestone for young Indian athletes.

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Static GK Facts:

- Boxing Federation of India (BFI):

- President: **Ajay Singh** | Headquarters: **New Delhi**.

- Youth Olympic Games (YOG):

- Dakar 2026 (Senegal) marks the **first-ever Olympic event** hosted on the African continent.

- International Olympic Committee (IOC) Headquarters: **Lausanne, Switzerland**.

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Who became the first Indian boxer to win a gold medal at the Youth Olympic Games?

A: Lairenlakpam Ambekar Meetei (Men's 50kg)

Q: Which Indian female boxer won gold in the 48kg category at the 2026 Dakar Youth Olympics?

A: Gunjan

Q: In which city and country were the 2026 Youth Olympic Games held?

A: Dakar, Senegal

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